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| South Carolina,
much like the rest of the nation, has been inundated with illegal drugs
of all types. Along with the influx of drugs are the violent
subcultures that are so many times associated with drug use and
distribution. You will likely be exposed to illegal drugs, the
problems they cause, and the people who facilitate drug use and
distribution. It is important to have a basic understanding of South
Carolina drug law and modern drug enforcement. Drug use among teenagers
is once again on the rise. The reduction seen in the mid 1980s and early
1990s is being lost. The "Just Say No" philosophy of the
Reagan
and Bush era has given way to the Clinton "I Didn't Inhale"
and "Medical Marijuana" mind set.
Unlawful drug use is wrong. It is degrading, robs people of their sense of responsibility, makes them stupid, indifferent to the others around them, and undermines their ability to be productive members of society. Drug use enslaves the mind and spirit while destroying the soul. Drug use is a proven catalyst of crime because it fosters moral irresponsibility. For the young involved in criminal activity it weakens parental restraints, stimulates irritability, paranoid thinking, aggression, and provides an illusion of invincibility. Drug use is a major factor in child and domestic abuse making every other social problem worse at all levels. The old drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and heroin are stronger and more potent than ever. New forms of the old stimulants, hallucinogens, and inhalants are streaming out of clandestine labs to poison the influential minds of our youth. Drug use is being presented as antiestablishment, liberating, and the pathway to uninhibited sex and a higher consciousness. Many of these drugs weaken the immune system, impair judgment, reduce the ability to concentrate, affect memory, diminish motor functions, and can lead to serious medical problems. Drug use in childhood and adolescence increases the chances of becoming both physically and psychologically addicted. Parents often believe that they need to be an expert to advise their children about the dangers of drugs and require specialized training and material. This thinking is incorrect. The best place to begin is by setting a good example and explaining honestly why you as a parent do not use illegal drugs and oppose drug use by others. Children will learn what they are taught and observe. As members of a responsible community it is imperative that we address the issue seriously. |
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